A New York federal judge has dismissed a civil sexual assault suit brought against longtime music executive Kevin Liles, finding that a settlement signed nearly two decades ago barred the anonymous plaintiff from pursuing new claims. The ruling ends a case that revisited conduct the plaintiff alleged occurred while Liles served as president of Def Jam Recordings in 2002.
The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, accused Liles of harassment, unwanted physical contact, and rape. Liles consistently denied the allegations. U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald concluded that the lawsuit could not proceed because Doe had already settled related claims with Universal Music Group, Def Jam’s parent company, in 2005.
According to court filings, UMG paid Doe $47,500 to resolve a complaint she filed with New York state regulators alleging retaliation and verbal harassment. That filing did not include rape claims, but Doe agreed not to pursue further legal action based on the same alleged conduct.
Jane Doe’s Lawsuit Against Kevin Liles Dropped By Federal Judge
Judge Buchwald’s order held that the settlement’s release language clearly extended to Liles. She wrote that the agreement “expressly and unambiguously covered” the executive and noted that it discharged “any and all” claims that were known or reasonably should have been known at the time. She added that nothing in the agreement limited the scope of its protections, despite Liles having already departed Def Jam by the time UMG finalized the settlement.
The court dismissed the suit with prejudice, ruling that no amendment could cure the complaint’s legal deficiencies or circumvent the settlement’s terms. The decision underscores the broad reach of release provisions in employment-related agreements and their ability to insulate executives from subsequent litigation tied to the same alleged events. The ruling also highlights the weight courts give to finality when assessing long-resolved disputes between former employees and large entertainment companies.
Liles, who led Def Jam from 1999 to 2004, was not a party to the 2005 settlement. Still, Judge Buchwald held that the contract’s plain language barred Doe’s attempt to revive allegations decades later. The order closes the matter without further proceedings and reinforces the stringent standards plaintiffs must meet when attempting to challenge or reopen agreements negotiated under state regulatory frameworks.
Liles, a prominent figure in the industry, went on to co-found 300 Entertainment in 2012. Warner Music Group acquired the label in 2021, and Liles exited as CEO the following year.
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